Lay It on Me

Preface The story of Ruth has all the elements of a giant box-office hit. It contains sudden trouble, tragedy and death. It has romance, love and success. It is a rags-to-riches story. The difference, however, is that it is not fiction. It has endured through time as one of the greatest stories in the Bible. The Book of Ruth contains only four chapters. Yet, this powerful story provides spiritual principles of how to progress in the blessings of God, and how grace and favor work on your behalf. This exciting adventure story gives you hope. It is a hope that no matter what you encounter in life, whether it is famine, death or lack, God has a grand finale planned for your life! It shows that God is sovereign, even in death. God is planning a long- term blessing for you, even when things look the darkest. This truth reminds me of what the writer said in Hebrews 10:9: "He takes away the first that He may establish the second." You will learn, in reading this book, that God never allows you to lose anything unless He plans to return something better than what you had. Your reaction to trouble will determine your outcome. Experiencing tragedy and trials is never easy. Several times I have wanted to give up and get a "normal job." At other times I have wanted to resign my position and go to work for another ministry. Then, at least, I would not have to shoulder